LET’S HELP TIANA GET OVER HER NEXT HURDLE

SUPPORT TIANA’S ONGOING MEDICAL BATTLE WITH AUTOIMMUNE ENCEPHALITIS

In early 2023, Tiana’s world was turned upside down. What began as fatigue and headaches quickly escalated into something far more serious. She was found unconscious at home after seizing through the night—and rushed to ICU, where her body began shutting down. She couldn’t speak, walk, or even open her eyes.

Doctors were initially at a loss. After weeks of testing, hospital stays, and multiple medications, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. But the seizures continued, and her memory deteriorated. She couldn’t remember whole chunks of her life—months and even years lost.

Over the next two years, Tiana fought for answers. She visited nearly every major hospital in Sydney, underwent EEGs, MRIs, lumbar punctures, PET scans, and trialled multiple medications. She was forced to quit her job, move back home, and put her life on hold.

Finally, with the help of a new neurologist and an incredible medical team, she was given a likely diagnosis: autoimmune encephalitis—a rare condition where the immune system attacks the brain, causing inflammation and seizures.

It only seems like yesterday that Tiana was a young girl, competing in hurdles at the Youth Commonwealth Games and proudly representing Australia. Since then, she has continued to live an active, healthy life—maintaining her passion for fitness and wellbeing. Now, she’s facing a very different kind of hurdle—one that no young person should have to face.

She now undergoes monthly IVIG infusions (using plasma from donors), takes high-dose steroids, and manages a complex medication regime. There is no cure—only ongoing treatment, monitoring, and careful management.

Tiana had managed to return to full-time work—an incredible step forward—but due to the toll her condition and treatment continue to take on her body, she has now had to reduce her hours and move to part-time work. This has added even more financial pressure during an already difficult time.

To make things harder, many of the medications Tiana relies on are not covered under the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), which makes her treatment significantly more expensive.

At just 24 years old, Tiana should be living the vibrant, carefree life most of us take for granted at that age—working, socialising, travelling, and making plans for the future. Instead, she’s juggling hospital visits, specialist appointments, chronic fatigue, and mounting medical bills.

We’re now hoping to raise $20,000 to help cover her medical costs over the next 12 months.

These funds will go directly toward treatments like IVIG infusions, specialist consultations, scans, medications, and other ongoing healthcare needs. Tiana will keep these donations in a separate account set aside specifically for medical expenses, so she can draw on it as needed—ensuring every dollar is used to support her care and recovery.

Tiana has the love and support of her family behind her, but the financial burden of managing a lifelong condition is significant. For any parent reading this, you can imagine how heartbreaking it would be to see your own child go through something like this. No one wants their 24-year-old to have to put their life on hold for the sake of staying alive and managing a chronic illness.

Tiana cleared hurdles on the track with strength and grace—and now, with a little help from those around her, we’re determined to help her get over this next one.

If you’re able to contribute, no matter the amount, your support means the world. And if now’s not the right time to donate, simply sharing Tiana’s story can still make a huge difference.

Thank you so much for standing with her.

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